If you’ve paid attention to information on the internet related to Multiple Sclerosis this month, you’ve certainly seen references to CCSVI or Chronic Cerebospinal Venous Insufficiency as a proposed of Multiple Sclerosis.

“Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency” is the name given by Dr. Paolo Zamboni to the backward flow of blood into the brain due to constricted veins which should drain blood from the brain. Dr. Zamboni is the Director of the Vascular Diseases Center at the University of Ferrara in Italy.

It’s too early to know whether CCSVI will be found to cause Multiple Sclerosis, but researchers are focusing their attention on it.

A good introduction to CCSVI is found in today’s BuffaloNews.com in an article titled, “Study could hold key to MS treatment”. Dr. Robert Zivaidinov is the Director of the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center and the principal investigator of the first major study of Dr. Zamboni’s controversial new theory that blockage in the veins that drain the brain cause Multiple Sclerosis.

Dr. Zamboni’s theory is controversial because it stands against the current assumption that MS is an autoimmune disease. The treatment of choice if Zamboni is correct is apparently angioplasty of the brain veins. This has been referred to as ‘liberation therapy’.

Important things to remember

First, while one is tempted to become excited about a potential cure for MS, I recommend against it. A lot of theories and potential treatments have been ruled out. Many more are currently being tested. If you had become excited about each, so far, you would have been disappointed by each.

Second, remember that a “cure” for MS will probably not undo the damage already done to the brain by Multiple Sclerosis … whatever the cause. “Cure” simply means an end to the disease process and progression.

Finally, if Dr. Zamboni’s hypothesis is found valid after further research, I imagine some pharmaceutical companies may have some explaining to do.